IRF Global to Shape Discussions on Future Roads – key meeting point

A new international meeting point gathers road innovators with the world’s top policymakers. Technology and innovations are evolving at a pace never seen before in the history of the road and transport sector. From innovations in materials, such as self-healing concrete and rubberised asphalt, to advances in construction equipment automation, and of course, the dawn of the connected and automated vehicle, many experts agree that road mobility is on the verge of a new era. “With such remarkable development
July 4, 2018 Read time: 3 mins
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A new international meeting point gathers road innovators with the world’s top policymakers


Technology and innovations are evolving at a pace never seen before in the history of the road and transport sector. From innovations in materials, such as self-healing concrete and rubberised asphalt, to advances in construction equipment automation, and of course, the dawn of the connected and automated vehicle, many experts agree that road mobility is on the verge of a new era.

“With such remarkable developments, 8781 Washington-based IRF Global found it very important to organise a global event that brought together the most innovative researchers with the top practitioners and users of innovation and technology," noted C Patrick Sankey, president & CEO of the International Road Federation. “With rising expectations placed on the delivery of sustainable and efficient transport infrastructure, IRF continues its mission to offer government agencies and road professionals access to knowledge resources from innovations in project design, to managing transportation assets, and readying road networks for the arrival of shared and connected mobility services."

Nevada director of Transportation Rudy Malfabon, Michigan director of Transportation Kirk Steudle, AASHTO executive director Bud Wright, former Virginia state transportation secretary Shirley Ybarra and Jacobs Highway/Bridge market segment director Susan Martinovich figure among the distinguished US orators at the IRF Global R2T Conference on November 7-9. Held in Las Vegas, US, the speakers will exchange experiences and ideas with their international counterparts. The opening keynote will be delivered by Shelley Row, former director, ITS Joint Program Office, US Department of Transportation, a recognised expert in transportation programs, widely-known within the industry for her leadership, vision and organisational skills.

The event has been endorsed by leading industry organisations including ITS America, the Association of Equipment Manufacturers, the Foundation for Education and Training on Tunneling, as well as the road and pavement societies of Argentina, Chile, China, Korea, Italy, Japan, Malaysia and Turkey.

According to Magid Elabyad, IRF vice president for International Programs, “the IRF Global R2T Conference & Expo has it all, from award-winning innovations in materials, to advances in construction equipment and their interactions with connected and automated vehicles. With over 9,000m2 of exhibition space, the Expo will be an unparalleled showcase for the world's leading companies in road, tunnel, and bridge construction, offering a one-stop shop to learn about the latest solutions, technologies and applications for the sector."

For more information on companies in this article

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